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New Pope urges Gaza ceasefire in first Sunday message

By
IFP Media Wire
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“No more war,” Leo stated on Sunday, adding, “the dramatic scenario of a third world war being fought piecemeal.”

“I too address the world’s great powers by repeating the ever-present call ‘never again war’,” he said from the loggia of Saint Peter’s Basilica to an estimated 100,000 people below.

The new pope, who was elected on May 8 after the death of Pope Francis, evoked some of his predecessor’s favoured phrases that called for peace.

Pope Leo said he carries in his heart the “suffering of the beloved people of Ukraine” and appealed for negotiations to reach an “authentic, just and lasting peace”.

The call came hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed direct negotiations with Ukraine to achieve “lasting peace” amid stalled attempts by the administration of United States President Donald Trump to mediate an agreement.

Leo also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and stressed he was “profoundly saddened” by the war in the Israeli-besieged enclave.

He noted humanitarian relief must be provided to the “exhausted civilian population”, adding that “all hostages” held by the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza must be freed.

Pope Francis called Gaza’s Christians on a near-daily basis during Israel’s war on Gaza, which has killed more than 52,000 Palestinians and wounded 120,000 others, many of them children and women.

The Israeli military continues to maintain a total blockade on water, food and all other humanitarian aid to Gaza despite international calls to stop its starvation policy.

Leo said he was glad to hear of the ceasefire reached on Saturday between nuclear neighbours India and Pakistan, and hoped negotiations would lead to a lasting accord.

“But there are so many other conflicts in the world,” he added.

This marked the first time that Leo addressed crowds from the loggia since he was elected as the first pope from the US on Thursday evening.

Italian authorities estimated that more than 100,000 people were in the square. The crowds were entertained by marching bands from Italy, Mexico and other parts of Latin America who came to Rome for the ongoing Catholic Holy Year.

Leo on Saturday prayed before the tomb of Pope Francis, who died on April 21, across town at the St Mary Major Basilica.

Iran says fresh round of nuclear talks with US “difficult, useful”

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Araghchi Witkoff

In a tweet posted following the discussions, Esmail Baqaei said the talks helped both sides better understand each other’s positions and explore “reasonable and realistic” paths toward resolving key differences.

The spokesperson also noted that the next round of negotiations will be coordinated and officially announced by the Sultanate of Oman, which has mediated previous rounds of backchannel diplomacy between the two countries.

The talks come amid renewed efforts to bridge gaps between Iran and the United States over nuclear and sanctions-related issues.

The fourth round of the indirect talks were held on Sunday in Muscat.

US to continue working with Russia, Ukraine to end war: Trump

By
IFP Media Wire
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Trump’s comments come shortly after Ukraine and Europe put forth a proposal for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire beginning May 12. Russian President Vladimir Putin has not agreed to the plan, but has invited Kyiv to resume direct talks in Istanbul on May 15.

“A potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social account.

“Think of the hundreds of thousands of lives that will be saved as this never ending ‘bloodbath’ hopefully comes to an end… I will continue to work with both sides to make sure that it happens.”

Trump did not directly mention the ceasefire proposal or Putin’s suggested talks in Istanbul. It is not clear what he is referring to when he mentions a “great day for Russia and Ukraine.”

Trump spoke to President Volodymyr Zelensky and visiting European leaders via phone on May 10 in a conversation described as “productive.” The Trump administration has backed the Ukrainian-European ceasefire proposal and threatened to impose sanctions against Moscow if it does not comply.

1,500 Gazans lost their eyesight during war

By
IFP Media Wire
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Dr. Abdulsalam Sabah, the director of the Eye Hospital in Gaza City, said in a press release on Sunday that the health sector in the Strip is suffering from acute shortage in necessary medical equipment and consumables pertaining to the eye surgery, which led to the collapse of the surgical services.

He said that the hospital has only three reusable eye scissors that are being repeatedly used in ophthalmic surgeries, which pose threats to the patients’ lives.

The Eye Hospital in Gaza is about to declare complete stoppage to its services due to the near depletion of necessary medical equipment.

Ukraine ‘ready to meet’ Russia for negotiations after full, lasting ceasefire: Zelensky

By
IFP Media Wire
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Zelensky called a ceasefire the essential first step toward ending the war.

“It’s a good sign that the Russians are finally thinking about ending the war,” Zelensky said.

“Everyone in the world has long awaited this. And the first step in truly ending any war is a ceasefire.”

“There is no point in continuing the killing, even for one more day,” he continued, adding, “We expect Russia to confirm a full, durable, and reliable ceasefire starting tomorrow, May 12, and Ukraine is ready to meet.”

Zelensky’s remarks came shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin invited Ukraine to direct talks in Istanbul starting May 15, but rejected a broader, U.S.- and EU-backed 30-day unconditional ceasefire.

Instead, Putin accused Ukraine of violating a three-day ceasefire he had unilaterally declared for Victory Day commemorations, claiming Kyiv launched cross-border attacks into Russia’s Belgorod and Kursk regions.

The temporary “truce,” which lasted from midnight May 8 to midnight May 11, officially expired on Saturday. Ukrainian officials reported that Russian attacks on civilian areas and frontline positions continued throughout the ceasefire period.

Kyiv accepted an unconditional 30-day U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal in March, but Moscow rejected it, demanding a complete end to Western military support for Ukraine.

Russia has repeatedly proclaimed its supposed readiness for peace talks while simultaneously pushing for maximalist demands, including the incorporation of the four Ukrainian regions illegally annexed in autumn 2022 into Russia.

Kyiv has dismissed these declarations as a propaganda stunt, noting that Russian forces have only intensified their attacks on Ukrainian cities and towns.

Iran FM on eve of fourth round of talks with US: Enrichment ‘non-negotiable’

By
IFP Media Wire
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Abbas Araghchi

“Uranium enrichment capability is a source of pride and accomplishment for the Iranian nation, achieved at a great cost, including the blood of our nuclear scientists; this achievement is unequivocally non-negotiable,” Araghchi said on Sunday before departing for Oman, which has been mediating the talks over the past month.

The US and Iran have held three rounds of negotiations since April 12. A planned fourth round, originally scheduled for May 3, was postponed due to “logistical reasons,” according to mediator Oman.

The minister touched on the American side’s contradictory statements in and after the negotiations.

“We are witnessing contradictions both inside and outside the negotiation room, or in the media. The positions of the other side are constantly changing and shifting, which is one of the problems of the negotiation,” he added.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran, unlike the other side, has known and principled positions. We have moved in a completely straight line, and our positions are completely clear.”

Araghchi also expressed Iran’s readiness to address ambiguities and concerns regarding its peaceful nuclear program, describing the move as a trust-building measure rooted in the Islamic Republic’s logic in the ongoing and past negotiations.

“On the verge of a new round [of talks], I need to reiterate that the rights of the Iranian people are completely clear. Our principles and positions are vivid, and these are not things that can be compromised or negotiated, but for further confidence-building and transparency than what exists, we are ready and hope the other side will apply lucid negotiation logic,” he stated.

“If the intention is to ensure that Iran will not have nuclear weapons, this is completely achievable, and an agreement to this end is certainly attainable,” he added. “But if they have unusual and unrealistic demands that are not workable, it is natural that the negotiations will face difficulties.”

Praising the positive and constructive atmosphere of the previous rounds of talks as well as the US seriousness and interest in reaching an agreement, Araghchi continued, “However, this seriousness has requirements and sometimes contradicts some of the positions they take outside the negotiations, which creates ambiguity in the negotiation process and deviates it from its correct path.”

The top Iranian diplomat underlined that Tehran expects consistent positions from the US side just as “Iran’s positions are completely consistent, principled, and fundamental.”

Mediated by Oman, Iran and the US have held three rounds of talks in the Omani capital of Muscat and Italian capital of Rome on April 12, 19, and 26 with the aim of reaching a deal on Iran’s nuclear program and the removal of sanctions on Tehran.

Both parties have so far expressed satisfaction with the way the negotiations are moving on, commending the talks as “positive” and “moving forward.”

Iranian lawmakers to Trump: “Persian Gulf Is Our Homeland”

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Iran's parliament

The statement, read by Ahmad Naderi, a member of the parliament’s presidium, was a direct response to recent media reports suggesting Trump may propose altering the name of the Persian Gulf, a term internationally recognized and historically documented.

“The Persian Gulf and its geopolitics are God-given,” the lawmakers declared. “It was not earned through invasion or military campaigns – this is our homeland and our house.”

The statement emphasized Iran’s central location at a global crossroads, noting the country’s enviable position is owed to divine will, not to any external power.

In a sharp rebuke, the lawmakers added, “Had you spent more time reading than gambling, you might have understood that this name was not given by gold, force, deceit, or bribery – it was bestowed by history.”

Concluding their message, they stated: “Mr. Gambler, we stand not only on the right side of history, but also in the right place on the map of the world.”

The statement follows angry reactions by Iranian officials and public during past week after the controversial report remerged, reiterating the historical name of the Persian Gulf, which is recognized by the United Nations and most international organizations.

Israelis in Tel Aviv demand an end to Gaza war

By
IFP Media Wire
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The Israeli daily newspaper Haaretz reported that in Tel Aviv, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, an Israeli campaign group, held its weekly rally Saturday in “Hostages Square”, while another demonstration by families of captives is taking place outside the Israeli military headquarters.

A separate antigovernment protest also occurred at Habima Square in Tel Aviv.

The Times of Israel reported that Shai Mozes, whose parents were held captive and released in separate exchange deals, told the crowd at the protest in Habima Square that Israel’s “real enemy is not Hamas, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is destroying Israel as a Jewish and democratic state”.

According to reports, there are still 59 captives held in Gaza, 35 of whom Israeli officials say are confirmed dead, and 21 that are presumed alive, and three whose fate is still unknown.

After Netanyahu announced an expanded offensive in the Gaza Strip on Monday, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum criticised the move in a statement, saying the plan is “sacrificing” those still held in the Palestinian territory.

Haaretz also reported that protests were planned in other cities, including Jerusalem, Haifa, and Beersheba, as well as at dozens of other sites and intersections across Israel.

Hamas’s armed wing released a video on Saturday showing two Israeli captives alive in the Gaza Strip, with one of the two men calling to end the 19-month-long war.

Israeli media identified the pair in the undated video as Elkana Bohbot and Yosef Haim Ohana.

The three-minute video released by Hamas’s Qassam Brigades shows one of the captives, identified by media as 36-year-old Bohbot, visibly weak and lying on the floor wrapped in a blanket.

Ohana, 24, speaks in Hebrew in the video, urging the Israeli government to end the war in Gaza and secure the release of all remaining captives.

Bohbot and Ohana were both abducted by Palestinian fighters from the site of a music festival during Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on October 7 2023.

Iran refutes ‘totally absurd’ claims of sending missile launchers to Russia

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Russia Ukraine War

Citing two supply launchers for short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, Reuters reported that Iran was preparing to deliver Fath-360 launchers to Russia, which would give Moscow additional firepower in the war with Ukraine.

The missiles have a range of 75 miles (120 km) and could be used to target Ukrainian frontline positions, nearby military facilities, and population centers close to Russia’s border, Reuters said.

Iran’s mission said the allegation was “utterly absurd.”

“We regret that Reuters persists in its habit of circulating baseless allegations against the Islamic Republic of Iran,” it said in a statement.

“So long as conflict persists between the parties, Iran will abstain from rendering any form of military assistance to either side,” it added.

The United States previously accused Iran of sending Fath-360 missiles to Russia last September on nine Russian-flagged ships. But reports at the time suggested the missile launchers had not been included in the shipment.

The Western security officials and the regional source, speaking anonymously to Reuters, alleged that the delivery of the launchers was imminent but declined to provide further details, including reasons for the apparent delay in their initial transfer.

Faced with similar accusations in the past, Iran’s mission to the UN clarified in September that the Islamic Republic regarded as inhumane any military assistance to parties of the Ukraine conflict that would increase damage to lives and infrastructure.

Iran has stressed that the United States and its European allies have prolonged the war by sending advanced weapons to Ukraine.

Putin refutes ceasefire ultimatum proposed by European leaders, Ukraine

By
IFP Media Wire
-

Russia is inviting Ukraine to engage in direct talks in Istanbul beginning May 15, Putin said in a press conference marking the end of Moscow’s Victory Day celebrations.

“Russia is ready for negotiations without any preconditions,” Putin stated.

There have been no direct talks between Russia and Ukraine since shortly after Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Putin notably did not announce an extension of the three-day truce or agree to Ukraine and Europe’s proposal for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. Such an agreement could be negotiated during the Istanbul talks, he added.

Putin unilaterally declared a temporary ceasefire in honor of Victory Day — which Russia observes on May 9 — from midnight May 8 until midnight on May 11. Despite the three-day truce, Russian attacks against Ukrainian civilians and combat operations on the front line continued.

During his remarks, Putin accused Ukraine of escalating attacks against Russia in the days leading up to the Victory Day “truce” and of violating the three-day ceasefire multiple times, including by launching five cross-border incursions into Kursk and Belgorod oblasts.

These incursions held “no military significance,” he claimed.

Putin also stressed that he looks forward to “restoring relations with European states,” despite their “anti-Russian rhetoric” and delivery of “ultimatums” to Moscow.

President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders on May 10 demanded that Russia agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting on May 12. The proposal is backed by U.S. President Donald Trump. If Russia refuses the proposal, Europe and the U.S. are threatening to respond with increased sanctions.

Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said earlier that Russia needs to “think about” the ceasefire proposal and is “resistant to any kinds of pressure.”

Putin did not agree to the 30-day ceasefire, instead inviting Ukraine to direct talks and accusing Kyiv of ceasefire violations. In April, at the end of Russia’s three-day “Easter truce,” Putin also refused to extend the ceasefire and instead said he was open to direct talks with Ukraine.

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